Construction activities on Thomasville Road are causing concerns for local businesses in Midtown.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesLocal small businesses in Tallahassee are voicing concerns about the Thomasville Road project, which aims to enhance pedestrian safety but may disrupt access, leading to potential revenue losses. As discussions continue, residents are worried about traffic impacts and the challenges posed by the construction that could last over a year. With public input accepted until March 14, 2025, community members are encouraged to express their thoughts on this significant development that could shape the Midtown area’s future.
In the charming city of Tallahassee, a wave of apprehension is sweeping over local small businesses as plans for the Thomasville Road project come into focus. It all went down during a recent public meeting at East Hill Baptist Church, where about 125 residents gathered to hash out their feelings on the matter. With the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) at the helm, the audience was eager to voice their thoughts and worries regarding the project’s effects on the Midtown community.
FDOT has been working on plans to resurface Thomasville Road for several years now, collaborating closely with the City of Tallahassee and the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency. This project isn’t just about slapping some asphalt on the road; it includes a host of upgrades like stormwater sewer improvements and the reconstruction of various traffic signals. Exciting, right?
However, the presentation of two options left many scratching their heads. The first option simply resurfaces the road while holding onto its current layout. The second option puts forth a major redesign that adds much-needed sidewalks—hello, pedestrian safety!—while eliminating the center left turn lane. The trade-off? Potential traffic congestion that might rival rush hour in a big city.
Now, let’s talk money. The total cost of all three components of the project hovers around a hefty $10 million. The breakdown shows FDOT covering approximately $1.8 million, the City’s stake is nearly $3 million, and Blueprint gets about $5.5 million. While the upgrades aim to enhance accessibility and safety, business owners are understandably anxious about their bottom lines during this extensive construction process.
As discussions heated up, local business owners aired their concerns loud and clear. With the project set to close all northbound traffic on Thomasville Road for over a year and a half, the anticipation of decreased customer access and foot traffic has some fearing for their livelihoods. The impact could be substantial, with estimates suggesting that some businesses could lose up to 40% of their sales volume.
For instance, the owner of a popular local bookstore has highlighted that the project’s design might seriously obstruct access to not just her store but the entire community. It’s a shared fear among other local merchants that if customer traffic dwindles, it could lead to permanent closures. After all, fewer shoppers equals fewer sales!
Adding fuel to the fire, residents are bracing for potential traffic nightmares, particularly during peak hours. Without a center turn lane, some worry that jams could become a daily occurrence, transforming quick trips into long hauls. While FDOT has promised to keep the road open for southbound traffic, redirecting northbound drivers to alternate routes may not be the solution everyone hopes for.
This is where you come in! There’s still time for folks to share their thoughts on the project. Public input is being accepted until March 14, 2025, providing an opportunity for community members to have their voices heard before the project kicks into gear.
Tallahassee City Commissioner shared feelings that the project will significantly enhance pedestrian safety in the Midtown area. As the city gears up for this transformation, local business owners are being proactive, planning creative marketing strategies to remind customers that they are open for business despite the ongoing construction.
It’s a time of changes and uncertainty, but with the community coming together, there’s hope that local businesses will adapt and thrive alongside the upgraded infrastructure. Buckle up, Tallahassee; this road project is set to shake things up, and only time will tell how the community will navigate its way through!
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